The Double Standard for Female Comedians

It is more difficult to be funny if you are a girl! 

The most widely recognized explanation for the stark difference in male and female comedians is the way our society stereotypes gender roles. There are more famous male comedians in the comedy business who make more money as a whole compared to female comedians.

People can argue that we are in a golden age of female comedians, from Tina Fey to Ellen DeGeneres to Mindy Kaling and Amy Schumer. Although they are not the first to have popular television shows, these women are the first to do comedy boldly. Raunchy material is viewed as hilarious for men and tends to be seen as awkward and taboo for women.

Amy Schumer explained the difference by stating, “I’m labeled a sex comic. I think it’s just because I’m a girl. A guy could get up here and literally pull his [penis] out, and people would be like, ‘he’s a thinker!’” When women joke about similar topics, they are viewed as unladylike and self-deprecating.

Psychologically, men are considered riskier and more confident than women. Men take more risks in humor and fail more miserably, which helps them improve their comedy, while women are more likely to give up and feel defeated after a bad performance. In a 2001 study, results found that confidence in women’s humor increases in all female groups, while men tell more jokes in mixed company.

Female comedians have always been a step ahead of society. However, as more female comedians take center stage, society is adjusting. As Tina Fey preaches, “Do your thing and don’t care if they like it.” Women are just as funny, if not funnier, than men. Therefore, we as a society need to encourage women to take center stage more often.

Instagram/photo: @tina_fey_official